Flying to New York City: How to Prepare for International Travel

Going on vacation should be an exciting
time for you and your family. However, the more organised you are, the better
your trip will be. If you are heading to the Big Apple, here are a few ways on
how you can prepare for international travel, ensuring your journey goes as
smoothly as possible.

Check Your Passport

The first and most important step you need
to take before heading on vacation is to check whether your passport is in
date. If you do not own one, the application process can take up to 6 weeks, so
ensure you apply for your passport as soon as possible. To do this, you will
need to provide two passport-size photos, and two forms of identification to
prove your citizenship in the country you were born in. If you have a passport,
you will need at least six months of validity left as many airlines will not
allow you to board otherwise.

Travel Insurance

If you have an accident while on vacation,
having travel insurance will ensure you are covered for any medical expenses.
It’s better to be safe than sorry when you take your health into account, so
make sure to check out the different types of travel insurance available. There
are other reasons why people take out travel insurance too, such as if your
flight gets postponed or cancelled. To save hassle, money and time, ensure you
book your travel insurance as soon as possible.

What to Pack

Whether you are heading to New York for a
short trip or a long vacation, you should make a list of what items you want to
bring with you. There are all sorts of factors to consider regarding what to
pack such as weather conditions and the time of year you visit the city. You
should also check out your airline’s weight regulations so you can get an idea
of allowances, avoiding any overpacking issues. There are plenty of useful
packing tips that can help you save room in your luggage. Try not to pack
too much, instead, focus on bringing the essentials for your trip. You should
also be aware of what items you shouldn’t bring with you as each airline will
have items that are strictly prohibited.

Accommodation

There is a wide range of hotels and
apartments dotted across New York City. No matter your budget, you are sure to
find accommodation that is suitable for you. Many accommodation providers give
special discounts to those who book early, so if you can, secure your booking
sooner rather than later. However, bear in mind that hotels located in the
center may cost more. If you don’t mind travelling, it could be worth looking
at accommodation options just outside of the city, such as in Queens, Brooklyn
or New Jersey.

Create an Itinerary

If you are an organised person, the chances
are you already have an itinerary in place. However, for those who need some
structure, outlining every little detail of your trip can make a huge
difference. Jotting down the attractions you want to visit, your accommodation
details and flight times can take the weight off your shoulders, making you
feel more relaxed and prepared for your trip. You should also make note of any
relevant telephone numbers such as your hotel, insurance provider, airport
pickup and your credit card company. The more prepared you are, the less chance
you have of anything going wrong.

Leave Plenty of Time

No matter what time your flight is, you
should leave as much time as you can to get from your home to the airport. Rush
hour can be incredibly busy at the best of times and may see you missing your
flight if you’re stuck in traffic. If you don’t live close to the airport, it’s
always best to add an extra 30 minutes to an hour to your journey to ensure you
arrive at the airport with no hassle. If you are using public transport to get
to the airport, make sure to catch the earlier bus or train, rather than
running the risk of delays.

Keeping Everyone Entertained

Flying can be a stressful experience for
even the most frequent traveler. Therefore, you should arm yourself with items
to keep you entertained throughout your flight, helping you to relax and be
comfortable while on board the aircraft. Whether it be an iPad to watch one of
your favourite films or a book to get lost in, there are all sorts of ways that
you can keep yourself occupied when on the plane. If you are travelling with
children, the last thing you want is for them to throw a tantrum and cause a
scene so make sure you bring toys and games that can keep them busy.

Transport Links

Once you have arrived in New York City, you
will need to use public transport to get to your accommodation. The hustle and
bustle of the city can be overwhelming at the best of times, so it’s best to do
your research before you arrive. You can get around New York City via various
transport links such as taxi, bus or using the subway. Make sure you map
out where your hotel is located so you can work out how close you are to bus
routes and subway stations.

Stay Safe

Travelling somewhere new should be filled
with excitement and adventure. However, when in a big city like New York, there
are unfortunately thieves who operate in tourist areas. Therefore, make sure
that any valuables you have on you are stored in zipped up and hard to reach
places. It’s always best to be alert and aware of your surroundings, especially
if you are in incredibly populated areas such as Times Square. Keeping an eye
on your personal belongings will reduce the risk of theft and keep you out of
danger. If you need to use your mobile device when out and about, refrain from using
it in busy areas as all it can take is a split second for a thief to encounter
you and snatch your device out of your hand.

Getting to New York

As New York City is one of the most popular
destinations to visit in the United States, you will be happy to know that
there are daily and direct flights to New York, courtesy of Porter
Airlines. When on their website, simply input the dates of when you want to
visit and return for great deals on flights. What’s more is that you can track
your flight status before you travel which will leave you feeling confident and
ready for the trip ahead. Porter Airlines are an award-winning service and
provide comfy flights with extra leg room, so they are definitely worth
checking out.

Note that the time of year you visit New
York City will have an impact on price. If you are heading to the city in the
school holiday period or at Christmas, expect to pay much more for your flights
and hotel.

Whether you’re heading to New York alone,
with friends or your family, there are all sorts of useful travel tips and techniques
that you can use to your advantage, ensuring your trip goes off without a
hitch. As long as your passport is in date, you know what to pack and you have
a structure in place, your visit to the city that never sleeps should be stress
free and enjoyable.